Department research
Advancing Microbiology in the 21st Century
Research in our Department encompasses each of the major microbial groups, namely bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses, spanning both priority pathogens and beneficial microbes. Our researchers work across scales, from deciphering at atomic resolution the mechanisms of key enzymes and transporters, to understanding the complex ecology and evolution of microbes in our bodies and the environment. Inspired by One Health and Planetary Health philosophies, we investigate how pathogenic and beneficial microbes interconnect humans, animals, and environments, and how climate change affects these interactions.
Our world-leading discovery science is built on applying cutting-edge technologies to understand and manipulate microbes. Powerful nanoscale imaging allows us to visualise the invisible and unravel the intricate anatomies of microbes. Rapid, accurate genome sequencing and bioinformatics tools, including AI supported supercomputing, allow us to understand what microbes do and why. Our work at the forefront of the microbiome revolution has allowed us to understand how microbes function and interact at the community level and dramatically expanded the tree of life.
While many of the research projects in our Department are focused on human and animal diseases, the microbes that cause these diseases evolve in diverse environments. Our research increasingly incorporates surveillance of pathogens, as well bioprospecting of new antibiotic and phage therapies. Members of the department are building an ethical framework for surveillance and bioprospecting for microbes in partnerships with Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where we work.
Translational Impact and Transdisciplinary Partnerships
Our Department works with diverse researchers and stakeholders to translate research into solutions. These partners range from the Alfred and Monash hospitals, vulnerable communities in Asia-Pacific countries, and the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors. Our research programs provide opportunities for students to travel for collaborative fieldwork and targeted skill development, as well as opportunities for industry engagement and training.
Many members of the Department are also members of the Centre to Impact AMR, which applies fundamental and translational research to enable sustainable solutions to reduce drug-resistant infections. Students and researchers in the department have opportunities to collaborate with teams working across engineering, sociological, clinical, biological, molecular, chemical and pharmacological sciences.
We’re also closely involved with transdisciplinary programs to develop a circular economy, revitalise informal settlements (RISE), and secure Antarctica’s environmental future (SAEF).
Find out more about each of the Research Labs in the Department of Microbiology. Their information and websites showcase the incredible research each of them are doing.